ContextKeynote at the 2025 Kenya Law Society Conference on public finance, governance and justice; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and faces heavy public debt in many member countries.
Akinwumi Adesina: speeches
130 speeches by Akinwumi Adesina listed between 2 February 2022 and 15 August 2025. Roles covered: President of the African Development Bank Group (1 September 2015 – 31 August 2025). Most frequent topics: development and emerging economies, growth, investment and productivity, climate, energy and nature.
Last updated 10 November 2026 · newest first
ContextOpening speech at the Africa50 general shareholders meeting in Maputo, Mozambique; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and struggles to attract enough private capital to infrastructure.
Why it mattersThe outgoing AfDB president reviews Africa50's role in turning infrastructure plans into financed projects.
- Africa's infrastructure needs are huge.
- Investment interest must become deals.
- Private capital is not mobilised enough.
- Use Africa50 to develop infrastructure.
- Mobilise investment through the Africa Investment Forum.
- Partner with other development banks.
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ContextRemarks at a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa for the financing of Ethiopia's new Bishoftu airport; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works to close its infrastructure gap.
Why it mattersThe bank takes charge of gathering lenders for one of the largest aviation projects on the continent.
- Large infrastructure projects need financing.
- Ethiopia needs a new airport.
- Coordination of lenders is complex.
- Act as mandated lead arranger.
- Mobilise lenders for the Bishoftu airport.
- Support Ethiopia's infrastructure.
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ContextKeynote at the Standard Chartered Bank Africa Summit in Lagos, Nigeria; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks to draw global capital to the continent.
Why it mattersIt identifies legal and regulatory obstacles that keep global capital away from Africa and proposes regional fixes.
- Global capital bypasses Africa.
- Business and legal environments deter investors.
- Regulatory frameworks are not harmonised.
- Improve rule of law and contract enforcement.
- Harmonise financial regulation across countries.
- Build trusted investment platforms.
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ContextSpeech in Monrovia before Liberia's President at the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and focuses on jobs for young people.
Why it mattersIt backs a dedicated lender to help young Liberians start businesses after years of slow growth.
- Liberia faces urgent challenges.
- The government must act decisively.
- Development partners must coordinate.
- Take urgent and decisive action.
- Support government priorities.
- Mobilise Bank financing for Liberia.
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ContextAddress to the Government of Liberia in Monrovia; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and supports post-conflict economies in rebuilding.
Why it mattersThe AfDB president urges Liberia's government to tie its plans to measurable results, drawing on the bank's own reforms.
- Liberia needs faster development.
- Results must be measurable.
- Interventions lack coordination.
- Align plans with measurable results.
- Use joint work planning.
- Learn from the Bank's High5 overhaul.
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ContextKeynote lecture in Kigali at the 28th Annual Conference on Global Economic Analysis; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development in a world of weakening multilateralism.
Why it mattersIt places Africa's growth prospects within a world of trade wars and weaker multilateralism.
- Trade wars and supply disruptions hit Africa.
- Debt crises and climate change add pressure.
- Capital markets are uncertain.
- Strengthen multilateralism.
- Position Africa in global dynamics.
- Invest in Africa's growth.
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ContextAddress to graduates at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and faces the challenge of creating jobs for a fast-growing young population.
ContextRemarks during a high-level infrastructure tour in Dodoma, Tanzania; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works to close the continent's infrastructure gap.
Why it mattersThe AfDB leads a syndicated loan of up to 1.2 billion dollars for Tanzania's standard gauge railway.
- Tanzania needs transport infrastructure.
- Large projects need syndicated financing.
- Private lenders must be mobilised.
- Lead financing for the Standard Gauge Railway.
- Syndicate with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale.
- Mobilise up to $1.2 billion.
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ContextSpeech in Libreville at the inauguration of a drinking water pumping station funded by the bank; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks wider access to water and sanitation.
Why it mattersThe project brings safer water to thousands of households in the Gabonese capital.
- Access to drinking water is inadequate.
- Sanitation is lacking.
- Water infrastructure needs investment.
- Fund the integrated water supply programme.
- Inaugurate the PK5 pumping station.
- Improve water access for citizens.
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ContextOpening statement at a private sector consultation in London on Mission 300, the plan to connect 300 million Africans to electricity; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and needs private capital.
Why it mattersUtility losses and closed grids are named as the main obstacles keeping private capital out of African power.
- Millions of Africans lack electricity.
- Utilities have large losses.
- Private investment in power is limited.
- Pursue Mission 300 for energy access.
- Improve utility performance.
- Open power generation and grids to private investors.
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ContextClosing ceremony of the bank's 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, the last of the speaker's term; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and prepares a leadership change.
Why it mattersThe outgoing AfDB president closes his last Annual Meetings by asking shareholders for more support.
- Africa's transformation needs funding.
- Shareholders must choose investment vehicles.
- Priorities require resources.
- Use the African Development Bank and Fund as vehicles.
- Increase shareholder support.
- Transform Africa through investment.
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ContextGovernors' dialogue at the bank's 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, with finance ministers of member countries; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and must raise new capital.
Why it mattersMinisters focus on the skills mismatch that leaves millions of young Africans without jobs.
- Youth face skills gaps and mismatches.
- Employment for youth is insufficient.
- Programs are designed without youth.
- Implement the Skills for Employability action plan.
- Include youth as co-creators of solutions.
- Unleash youth potential.
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ContextKeynote at the formal opening of the bank's 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, before heads of state and governors; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development as global aid shrinks.
Why it mattersThe AfDB opens its Annual Meetings focused on energy access and regional power links across Africa.
- Energy access in Africa is low.
- Regional interconnections are lacking.
- Renewables need investment.
- Implement the continental energy declaration.
- Build regional interconnections.
- Invest in renewables and grids.
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ContextWelcome remarks at a media breakfast before the bank's 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and must explain its results to the public.
Why it mattersThe outgoing AfDB president presents a decade of results in health, transport, water and food security.
- Millions lacked basic services.
- Results must be communicated.
- Development needs remain.
- Report results in health, transport and food security.
- Expand water, sanitation and electricity access.
- Engage the media.
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ContextSpeech in Praia at the commissioning of the bank-funded Praia Technology Park in Cabo Verde; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and backs digital jobs for young people.
Why it mattersThe project gives Cabo Verde fibre connectivity and space for digital start-ups to create jobs.
- Cabo Verde needs a digital economy.
- Connectivity infrastructure is limited.
- Tech jobs are scarce.
- Commission the Praia Technology Park.
- Invest in fibre optic connectivity.
- Support digital entrepreneurship.
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ContextLecture on Africa's place in global development and geopolitics; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks a stronger African voice in world finance.
Why it mattersIt argues that Africa is underrepresented in global negotiations despite its investment potential.
- Africa is under-represented in global discussions.
- Geopolitics shifts investment.
- Africa's potential is overlooked.
- Prioritise Africa in global negotiations.
- Highlight Africa's investment opportunities.
- Position Africa strategically.
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ContextSpeech at the groundbreaking of special agro-industrial processing zones in Kaduna State, Nigeria; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes local food processing.
Why it mattersThe zones aim to process farm produce locally and create rural jobs in northern Nigeria.
- Agriculture is not industrialised.
- Processing capacity is low.
- Rural jobs are scarce.
- Launch Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.
- Partner with state governments.
- Transform agriculture into business.
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ContextSpeech at a high-level conference on scaling finance for smallholder farmers; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and puts agriculture at the heart of growth.
Why it mattersThe AfDB presents its tools for women farmers and fertiliser finance to close the smallholder credit gap.
- Smallholder farmers lack finance.
- Women farmers are excluded.
- Input suppliers face risks.
- Use AFAWA for women.
- Use the African Fertilizer Financing Mechanism.
- Share risks with input suppliers.
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ContextSpeech at State House in Nairobi on receiving Kenya's Order of the Golden Heart; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works closely with member governments.
ContextSpeech to African heads of state at the 38th African Union summit in Addis Ababa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and needs political support for new financing.
Why it mattersThe AfDB president asks leaders to turn investment interest into signed deals.
- Africa needs investment.
- Interest must become deals.
- Leaders must coordinate.
- Use the Africa Investment Forum.
- Mobilise investment interest.
- Engage heads of state.
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ContextClosing keynote at the Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days in Rabat; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and uses the forum to close investment deals.
Why it mattersThe AfDB reports the deals secured at the forum and stresses project preparation.
- Africa still attracts too little investment for its needs.
- Investors lack bankable, well-prepared projects.
- Perceived risk raises the cost of capital.
- Use the Africa Investment Forum to close deals.
- Bring partner institutions together to plan and co-finance.
- Prepare projects to investor standards.
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ContextOpening keynote at the Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days in Rabat; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks to mobilise private investors.
Why it mattersThe AfDB opens its investment forum to match vetted African projects with institutional capital.
- Africa's investment needs far exceed current flows.
- Investors lack information to take decisions.
- Infrastructure gaps hold back growth.
- Match investors with vetted projects through the Forum.
- Mobilise private and institutional capital.
- Partner with host countries to showcase opportunities.
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ContextSpeech at a high-level dialogue meeting on clearing Zimbabwe's arrears and resolving its debt; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and champions Zimbabwe's debt process.
Why it mattersThe bank ties a resolution of Harare's external arrears to governance and economic reforms backed by creditors.
- Zimbabwe carries heavy external arrears.
- Debt payments squeeze the national budget.
- A weak currency adds pressure on public finances.
- Pursue a structured dialogue on arrears clearance.
- Tie debt resolution to economic and governance reforms.
- Rally creditors and partners behind a common plan.
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ContextSpeech at a COP29 high-level event in Baku on measuring Africa's natural capital; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants nature counted in national wealth.
Why it mattersThe AfDB argues that counting Africa's natural capital would unlock more climate finance.
- GDP ignores the value of Africa's natural capital.
- Africa is undervalued in climate finance.
- Nature is being depleted without being counted.
- Measure and integrate natural capital into national accounts.
- Use that wealth to unlock climate finance.
- Adopt the report's key actions at head-of-state level.
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ContextLecture in Nigeria marking the 90th birthday of former head of state Yakubu Gowon; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes regional integration.
Why it mattersThe lecture proposes youth entrepreneurship investment banks to finance Nigeria's young people.
- Nigeria's young people lack jobs and finance.
- Banks see lending to youth businesses as too risky.
- National unity and development need stronger foundations.
- Create youth entrepreneurship investment banks.
- Use guarantees to de-risk lending to young entrepreneurs.
- Invest equity and debt in youth businesses with technical support.
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ContextSpeech at the celebrations of the bank's 60th anniversary; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and looks ahead to its next decades.
ContextSpeech in Abuja at a retreat of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and makes food security a priority.
Why it mattersThe AfDB enlists faith institutions in the fight against rising hunger in Africa.
- Hunger in Africa is rising.
- Climate shocks, conflicts and food price inflation hit the poor.
- Africa still imports food it could produce.
- Scale up agricultural technologies to farmers.
- Involve faith institutions in food security efforts.
- Build financially sustainable food systems.
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ContextSpeech in Moroni at the opening of the bank-funded National Road 2 in the Comoros; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and builds transport links.
Why it mattersBetter transport links are presented as key for an island economy cut off from markets.
- Comoros suffers from poor transport links.
- Public institutions need strengthening.
- Private investment is scarce.
- Renovate national roads.
- Invest in sea and air transport.
- Support public sector reform and public-private partnerships.
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ContextKeynote at Chatham House in London on Africa's economic prospects; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks to change how investors view the continent.
Why it mattersAdesina argues that Africa's perceived risk exceeds its real risk and deters capital.
- Investors see Africa as risky.
- Market, currency and political risks deter capital.
- Financing needs are large.
- Use risk mitigation tools.
- Promote transparent investment platforms.
- Showcase Africa's strong growth prospects.
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ContextStatement at the first Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, before Korean and African leaders; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and courts new partners.
Why it mattersAdesina asks Seoul to expand joint energy financing for the continent.
- Africa lacks energy investment.
- Growth must be shared and sustainable.
- Renewable projects need financing.
- Expand the Korea-Africa energy co-financing facility.
- Scale up Korean support to Africa.
- Build partnership for shared growth.
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ContextClosing speech at the bank's 59th Annual Meetings in Nairobi; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants reform of the global financial architecture.
Why it mattersAdesina urges Africa to trust its own institutions and change how it is portrayed.
- Africa relies too much on outside solutions.
- Global financial architecture disadvantages Africa.
- Africa's image deters investors.
- Trust and strengthen African institutions.
- Write a new narrative for Africa.
- Reform global financial architecture.
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ContextOpening speech at the bank's 2024 Annual Meetings in Nairobi, before Kenya's President and governors; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks reform of global finance.
Why it mattersAdesina points to Africa's economic resilience despite debt, climate and inflation shocks.
- Climate change weighs on Africa.
- Geopolitical tensions and inflation hurt growth.
- Rising debt strains budgets.
- Build on African economic resilience.
- Reform global financial architecture.
- Mobilise more finance for Africa.
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ContextKeynote at the governors' dialogue of the bank's 2024 Annual Meetings in Nairobi; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and debates how to fund it.
Why it mattersAdesina presents de-risking tools to draw private money into African projects.
- Investment risk deters private capital.
- Currency and political risks are high.
- Financing gaps persist.
- Use de-risking instruments.
- Reform the global financial architecture.
- Mobilise private sector investment.
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ContextRemarks in Riyadh at the 50th anniversary of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development with partner lenders.
Why it mattersAdesina calls for more Arab-African co-financing of development projects.
- Climate change hurts African economies.
- Geopolitical tensions and inflation slow growth.
- Debt is rising.
- Strengthen Arab-African financial cooperation.
- Co-finance development projects.
- Build on African economic resilience.
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ContextStatement at the Summit for Clean Cooking in Africa in Paris; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants clean cooking for millions of households.
Why it mattersAdesina pledges funding so that smoke from wood and charcoal stops harming health and forests.
- Millions in Africa lack clean cooking.
- Dirty fuels harm health and forests.
- Affordable solutions are missing.
- Roll out clean cooking at scale.
- Adopt supportive policies and standards.
- Use fiscal incentives to cut costs.
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ContextKeynote at the All Africa Media Leaders' Summit in Nairobi; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants a fairer image of Africa in the media.
Why it mattersAdesina argues that negative media coverage raises Africa's cost of capital.
- Negative media images harm investor confidence.
- Africa pays a high risk premium.
- Capital costs are 3 to 4 times higher.
- Tell a balanced story about Africa.
- Improve African risk ratings.
- Strengthen African media.
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ContextSpeech in Riyadh at a high-level session for the Islamic Development Bank's 50th anniversary; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks more funding for the SDGs.
ContextStatement in Brasilia at the signing of Brazil's accession to the Lusophone Compact for Portuguese-speaking African countries; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks new partner countries.
ContextStatement at a high-level roundtable on climate finance during the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings in Washington; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks more climate funding.
Why it mattersAdesina presents a window to channel climate money to the most vulnerable countries.
- Vulnerable countries lack climate finance.
- Adaptation needs are large.
- Low-income countries are hit hardest.
- Use the Climate Action Window.
- Fund adaptation and mitigation.
- Provide technical assistance.
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ContextAcceptance speech for the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership in Nigeria; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes people-centred growth.
Why it mattersAdesina calls for free education and people-centred policies in Nigeria.
- Rising debt, climate change and fragility challenge Africa.
- Education is underfunded.
- Welfare policies are weak.
- Provide free and compulsory education.
- Invest in teachers and classrooms.
- Adopt people-centred development policies.
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ContextRemarks on receiving an honorary doctorate from Bayero University in Kano, Nigeria; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and stresses youth and education.
ContextSpeech at the president's diplomatic luncheon for ambassadors in Abidjan; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and relies on support from member countries.
Why it mattersAdesina describes how high global rates and weak currencies strain African budgets.
- African countries are hit by external economic and climate shocks.
- Higher global interest rates raise debt service costs.
- Currency depreciation is driving up inflation.
- Help countries build resilience to shocks.
- Work closely with member countries' diplomatic representatives.
- Scale up Bank support for vulnerable economies.
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ContextOpening remarks presenting the bank's 2024 Africa Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook report; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and tracks growth across the continent.
Why it mattersAdesina warns that slow debt restructurings leave many African countries at high risk.
- Many African countries face high risk of debt distress.
- Debt restructurings are slow.
- Official and commercial creditors are poorly coordinated.
- Speed up debt treatment under the common framework.
- Coordinate creditor terms better.
- Publish regular macroeconomic outlooks to guide policy.
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ContextAgenda-setting remarks at an African Leaders for Nutrition meeting; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and fights malnutrition through investment.
Why it mattersAdesina asks governments to make nutrition a budget priority.
- Malnutrition holds back Africa's human capital.
- Nutrition is not a budget priority.
- Funding is spread too thin across sectors.
- Make nutrition a national priority.
- Fund multisector national nutrition action plans.
- Keep increasing Bank financing for nutrition.
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ContextSpeech at the general assembly of Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, the Italian business association for Africa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and courts European investors.
Why it mattersAdesina presents guarantees to reduce the risks Italian investors see in Africa.
- Investors see high risks in Africa.
- Investible projects are hard to find.
- Political and price risks deter capital.
- Use partial risk and credit guarantees.
- Build co-guarantee platforms with partners.
- Prepare bankable projects for investors.
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ContextRemarks in Kigali at the launch of BioNTech's vaccine manufacturing facility; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and backs local medicine production.
Why it mattersThe first mRNA vaccine plant on the continent aims to reduce dependence on imports seen during Covid.
- Africa depended on imported vaccines during the pandemic.
- Local pharmaceutical manufacturing is minimal.
- Health security is weak.
- Build modular vaccine factories in Africa.
- Transfer mRNA technology to the continent.
- Support African pharmaceutical industries.
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ContextSpeech in Kigali at the signing of the host agreement between Rwanda and the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and supports local pharmaceutical industries.
ContextConvocation speech at Veritas University in Abuja, Nigeria; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and stresses opportunities for young graduates.
Why it mattersAdesina encourages graduates to build businesses ready for investors.
- Climate change, debt and inflation have hurt the global economy.
- Young people need jobs and finance.
- Youth businesses lack investor readiness.
- Train young entrepreneurs in business skills.
- Help them pitch bankable proposals.
- Build on Africa's fast-growing economies.
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ContextRemarks at the Sustainable Trade Africa Conference at the UAE Trade Center during COP28 in Dubai; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes trade.
Why it mattersAdesina warns that the EU carbon border tax could hurt African exports.
- Africa must compete better in global value chains.
- The EU carbon border tax threatens African exports.
- Industrial platforms are underdeveloped.
- Build competitive industrial platforms.
- Prepare exports for carbon border rules.
- Promote sustainable trade.
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ContextRemarks at a COP28 session in Dubai on channelling IMF special drawing rights to climate and development; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants SDRs routed through it.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes routing IMF reserve assets through development lenders to multiply climate finance.
- Countries face rising fiscal costs for development.
- Climate finance is insufficient.
- Special Drawing Rights are not reaching those in need.
- Rechannel SDRs through development banks.
- Reform the global financial architecture.
- Leverage SDRs for climate and development.
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ContextRemarks at a COP28 session in Dubai on climate-resilient debt clauses; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants debt relief after climate disasters.
Why it mattersAdesina calls for loan clauses that pause repayments after climate disasters.
- Climate disasters push vulnerable countries into debt stress.
- Debt service continues after shocks.
- Fiscal space disappears when disasters hit.
- Adopt climate-resilient debt clauses.
- Allow debt service suspension after severe shocks.
- Spread the clauses across lenders.
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ContextRemarks at COP28 in Dubai at the signing of the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and needs capital for green projects.
Why it mattersA new partnership aims to fund early-stage preparation of low-carbon projects, where capital is scarcest.
- Africa's infrastructure financing gap is huge.
- The net-zero transition needs new infrastructure.
- Private investment is insufficient.
- Create an alliance on green infrastructure.
- Mobilise capital for project preparation.
- Close the infrastructure gap sustainably.
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ContextRemarks at COP28 in Dubai at the launch of the Africa and Middle East SAFE initiative; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works on food security under climate change.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes that Africa supply food to the water-stressed Gulf region.
- Water stress limits food production in the Middle East.
- Desalination makes farming too costly.
- Food security is fragile.
- Make Africa a food supplier to the Middle East.
- Invest in agro-industrial processing zones.
- Bring Middle East investors in as anchors.
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ContextRemarks at COP28 in Dubai at the launch of a battery energy storage consortium; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants reliable clean power.
Why it mattersStoring solar and wind output is presented as the missing piece for dependable African electricity.
- Renewable energy needs storage to be reliable.
- Africa lacks battery storage systems.
- Skills to run them are scarce.
- Launch a battery storage consortium.
- Provide technical assistance.
- Build capacity to operate and maintain systems.
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ContextRemarks at COP28 in Dubai launching the African Women Clean Cooking Support Program; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks a fair energy transition for women.
ContextRemarks at COP28 in Dubai launching the African Climate Risk Insurance Facility for Adaptation; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and helps countries insure against climate shocks.
Why it mattersCoverage against droughts, floods and pests remains rare for African growers; this facility targets that gap.
- African farmers face droughts, floods and pests.
- Climate insurance coverage is very low.
- Credit and price risks go uncovered.
- Launch a climate risk insurance facility.
- Design and scale climate insurance solutions.
- Cover production, credit and price risks.
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ContextRemarks at a COP28 session in Dubai on green energy, digital economy and Africa's infrastructure finance gap; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and courts investors.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes guarantees at scale to unlock private money for energy and digital networks.
- Africa lacks energy access and digital infrastructure.
- Infrastructure financing gaps are large.
- Private investment is scarce.
- Use guarantees at scale to de-risk investment.
- Leverage private sector financing.
- Invest in green energy and digital infrastructure.
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ContextRemarks at the Adaptation Finance Summit for Africa at COP28 in Dubai; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks more climate adaptation money.
ContextKeynote in Lagos at the 40th anniversary of The Guardian newspapers of Nigeria; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and addresses Nigeria's opinion leaders.
Why it mattersAdesina argues that political sovereignty needs African money to back it.
- Africa depends on outside financing.
- Political sovereignty lacks economic backing.
- African resources are not mobilised.
- Finance African problems with African resources.
- Build economic and financial sovereignty.
- Strengthen African institutions.
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ContextKeynote at the African Mayoral Forum during the Africa Investment Forum 2023 in Marrakesh; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and backs city infrastructure.
Why it mattersAdesina pushes for sub-national projects that investors usually overlook.
- Cities and municipalities lack investment.
- Sub-national projects are overlooked.
- Urban growth is fast.
- Launch collaboration between cities and financial institutions.
- Prioritise sub-national projects.
- Mobilise investors for city projects.
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ContextClosing speech at the Africa Investment Forum 2023 in Marrakesh; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and uses the forum to secure investment deals.
Why it mattersAdesina reports the deals secured with partner institutions.
- Africa needs more investment to improve lives.
- Deals need coordination across partners.
- Investors need confidence.
- Use the Africa Investment Forum to close deals.
- Pool founding partners' efforts.
- Focus investment on improving lives.
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ContextSpeech at the Africa Investment Forum 2023 plenary on regional corridors in Marrakesh; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes regional integration.
ContextOpening remarks at an Africa Investment Forum side event in Marrakech on growth with Japanese firms; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and courts Asian investors.
Why it mattersAdesina invites Japanese firms and start-ups to expand on the continent.
- Japanese private investment in Africa is limited.
- Start-ups need capital.
- Opportunities are poorly known.
- Encourage Japan to expand private investment.
- Connect start-ups and major companies.
- Showcase African opportunities.
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ContextOpening speech at the Africa Investment Forum 2023 in Marrakesh; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and gathers investors for African projects.
Why it mattersAdesina presents the forum as a way to bring bankable projects to investors.
- Bankable projects do not meet investors.
- Risks deter investment.
- Deals are slow to close.
- Bring projects, investors and governments together.
- Manage and mitigate risks.
- Close deals at the Forum.
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ContextOpening remarks at the Africa Investment Forum session on special agro-industrial processing zones in Marrakech; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes agro-industry.
Why it mattersAdesina argues that Africa should process more of its harvest at home.
- Africa processes little of its agricultural output.
- Agro-industry lacks infrastructure.
- Investment incentives are weak.
- Build special agro-industrial processing zones.
- Improve administrative and investment incentives.
- Attract private investors to agro-industry.
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ContextRemarks at an African agricultural dialogue on agro-processing zones during the World Food Prize 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and backs agriculture.
Why it mattersAdesina seeks private partners for food processing zones in Africa.
- Agriculture in Africa adds little value.
- Processing zones need finance.
- Public funding is insufficient.
- Build agro-industrial processing zones.
- Promote public-private partnerships.
- Attract private investment.
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ContextSpeech at the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue of the World Food Prize 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and leads food security plans.
Why it mattersAdesina sets a five-year goal to unlock Africa's farm potential through technology.
- Africa is not food secure.
- Agricultural potential is untapped.
- Farmers lack technologies.
- Implement food and agriculture delivery compacts.
- Scale up agricultural technologies.
- Unlock agricultural potential within five years.
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ContextWelcome remarks at the 2023 Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers Series on the global development finance architecture; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants lenders reformed after Covid.
Why it mattersAdesina urges multilateral lenders to take more risk and use their balance sheets fully.
- Development finance needs have grown after Covid.
- Multilateral banks are too cautious with risk.
- Balance sheets are underused.
- Raise development banks' ambition and resources.
- Optimise balance sheets and take more risk.
- Leverage the private sector.
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ContextRemarks at a high-level roundtable on a fair international financial architecture during the UN General Assembly in New York; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants fairer global finance.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes currency risk tools to attract institutional investors.
- The international financial architecture is unfair to Africa.
- Currency risk deters institutional investors.
- Debt resolution is too slow.
- Deploy FX risk mitigation to leverage institutional capital.
- Increase concessional financing.
- Fast-track the G20 common framework.
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ContextStatement at the UN Climate Ambition Summit in New York on adaptation and early warning systems; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks climate justice for Africa.
Why it mattersAdesina presents a climate window to fund resilience in low-income countries.
- Climate change devastates African economies.
- Low-income countries lack adaptation finance.
- Early warning systems are missing.
- Fund climate resilience through the Climate Action Window.
- Deploy early warning systems for all.
- Scale up adaptation ambition.
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ContextOpening keynote at the KOAFEC Korea-Africa economic cooperation ministerial conference in Korea; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works with Asian partners.
Why it mattersAdesina warns that rate rises in rich countries are pushing up African debt costs.
- Monetary tightening in rich countries raises rates.
- Capital flows out of emerging markets.
- African debt service costs rise.
- Deepen Korea-Africa economic cooperation.
- Mobilise financing for African development.
- Address debt distress risks.
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ContextCommencement address to the MBA class of 2023 at Oxford University's Saïd Business School; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants young leaders engaged with Africa.
Why it mattersAdesina recalls the 2008 crisis to urge graduates to lead with ethics.
- Reckless lending caused the 2008 crisis.
- Poor regulation allowed excessive risk-taking.
- Finance can harm unsuspecting investors.
- Lead with ethics in business.
- Use finance to improve lives.
- Apply strong regulation and responsible risk-taking.
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ContextOpening speech at the African Climate Summit in Nairobi before African heads of state; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks climate finance for the continent.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes investment compacts to fund national adaptation plans.
- Africa suffers most from climate change.
- Adaptation finance is insufficient.
- National adaptation plans lack funding.
- Develop climate adaptation investment compacts.
- Channel finance to national adaptation actions.
- Scale up adaptation financing.
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ContextSpeech at the fifth mid-year coordination meeting of the African Union and regional economic communities in Nairobi; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and backs regional integration.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes security-indexed bonds to finance stability in fragile areas.
- Africa's debt is rising.
- Insecurity and fragility undermine development.
- Low-interest long-term finance is scarce.
- Launch security-indexed investment bonds.
- Deliver the Bank's High 5 priorities.
- Tackle Africa's debt challenge decisively.
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ContextKeynote lecture at the Business Day CEO Forum in Lagos; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants Nigeria to industrialise.
Why it mattersAdesina argues that Nigeria must move beyond oil to industrialise.
- Foreign direct investment into Nigeria collapsed.
- The economy depends too much on oil.
- Manufacturing is underdeveloped.
- Adopt investment-friendly policies and frameworks.
- Build infrastructure, logistics and financing for industry.
- Use a young, trained workforce to industrialise.
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ContextOpening speech at the Africa50 Infra Forum and shareholders meeting in Lomé, Togo; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and backs the Africa50 infrastructure fund.
Why it mattersAdesina presents catalytic equity as a way to bring institutional investors into African infrastructure.
- Africa's infrastructure gap is large.
- Institutional investors hold back.
- Projects lack early-stage capital.
- Use Africa50 to develop and finance infrastructure.
- Make catalytic equity investments to draw in investors.
- Mobilise shareholders behind infrastructure funds.
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ContextKeynote at the Paris Club of creditor countries on Africa's changing debt landscape; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and pushes for faster debt resolution.
Why it mattersAdesina shows how African debt shifted toward costlier private and Chinese lenders.
- Africa's debt has risen and changed composition.
- Private and Chinese debt carry higher interest rates.
- Debt resolution is slow.
- Speed up debt restructuring.
- Coordinate all creditors.
- Increase concessional financing.
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ContextSpeech at the Agribusiness and Science Week of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa in Durban; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and backs farm productivity.
Why it mattersAdesina wants crop scientists to work on the continent's own priorities and to insure growers against weather.
- African farmers face climate risks.
- Agricultural research is underfunded.
- Research does not follow African priorities.
- Fund sovereign and farmer risk insurance.
- Give CGIAR more resources focused on Africa.
- Support regional research institutions.
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ContextInauguration lecture in Abuja for Nigeria's new President; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and advises governments on growth policies.
Why it mattersAdesina urges the incoming administration to invest in human capital.
- Nigeria is not globally competitive.
- Skills are lacking for a digital economy.
- Growth is too weak.
- Invest heavily in human capital.
- Build digital skills.
- Pursue reforms for competitiveness.
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ContextClosing speech at the bank's 2023 Annual Meetings in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks private capital for climate.
Why it mattersAdesina says the G20 debt framework is not working well.
- Climate change weighs on Africa.
- Debt levels are high.
- The G20 common framework is not working well.
- Mobilise private finance for climate and green growth.
- Take urgent debt resolution measures.
- Make the common framework work.
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ContextStatement at the governors' dialogue of the bank's 2023 Annual Meetings in Sharm El Sheikh; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and needs private climate finance.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes a climate action window for low-income countries.
- Low-income countries are most vulnerable to climate change.
- They cannot access climate finance.
- Adaptation needs are rising.
- Open a Climate Action Window in the African Development Fund.
- Mobilise climate finance for low-income countries.
- Engage governors on the Bank's agenda.
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ContextLaunch of the African Economic Outlook 2023 at the bank's Annual Meetings in Sharm El Sheikh; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and tracks its economies.
Why it mattersAdesina links natural capital to private climate finance.
- Africa faces global shocks.
- Climate finance is insufficient.
- Private sector involvement is weak.
- Publish an economic outlook to guide policy.
- Mobilise private finance for climate and green growth.
- Leverage Africa's natural capital.
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ContextSpeech at a presidential dialogue on the global financial architecture at the bank's 2023 Annual Meetings; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants lenders reformed.
Why it mattersAdesina argues that reform of global finance must put Africa at the centre.
- The Sustainable Development Goals are off track.
- The global financial architecture neglects Africa.
- Development banks need more resources.
- Put Africa's priorities at the centre of reform.
- Strengthen multilateral development banks.
- Reform the global financial architecture.
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ContextOpening ceremony of the bank's 2023 Annual Meetings in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and focuses on climate finance.
Why it mattersAdesina focuses on drawing private money into African climate action.
- Africa lacks climate finance.
- Private sector finance is not mobilised.
- Green growth is underfunded.
- Mobilise private sector financing for climate.
- Promote green growth in Africa.
- Partner with host governments.
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ContextSpeech at Zimbabwe's High-Level Debt Resolution Forum in Harare; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and champions Zimbabwe's arrears clearance.
Why it mattersAdesina ties Zimbabwe's debt relief to governance and anti-corruption reforms.
- Zimbabwe carries heavy arrears.
- Governance weaknesses block debt resolution.
- Corruption and weak institutions deter creditors.
- Implement reforms in six critical areas.
- Improve transparency and fight corruption.
- Pursue a structured debt resolution dialogue.
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ContextCommencement address to the class of 2023 at Calvin University in Michigan; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and urges graduates to drive change.
ContextAddress at a reception for African ambassadors in Japan; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and mobilises Japanese funding.
Why it mattersAdesina seeks Japanese finance for African vaccines, energy and water.
- Africa needs more financing.
- Vaccine manufacturing capacity is weak.
- Access to energy, water and finance is limited.
- Invest in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Expand energy, water and transport access.
- Mobilise Japanese finance.
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ContextSpeech at the Japan-Africa Investment Ecosystem Co-Creation Forum in Tokyo; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and courts Japanese investors.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes co-financing large projects with Japanese partners.
- Japanese investment in Africa is limited.
- Investment ecosystems are weak.
- Large projects need co-financing.
- Co-finance large infrastructure projects.
- Improve the investment ecosystem with Japanese partners.
- Showcase success stories.
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ContextKeynote at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks funding for clean energy in Africa.
Why it mattersAdesina argues that Africa should be allowed to use gas during the transition.
- Africa lacks energy access.
- The transition could be imposed too fast on Africa.
- Renewable potential is untapped.
- Accelerate renewable energy in Africa.
- Allow natural gas as a transition fuel.
- Mobilise energy transition financing.
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ContextSpeech at the State House Conference Center in Abuja launching the I-DICE programme for digital and creative industries; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and supports youth jobs.
Why it mattersThe programme aims to turn music, film and tech talent into jobs for young Nigerians.
- Young people need jobs.
- Digital infrastructure is lacking.
- Creative industries are underfunded.
- Invest in digital and creative industries.
- Expand broadband infrastructure.
- Support digital entrepreneurs.
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ContextSpeech in Harare at the second dialogue platform on Zimbabwe's arrears clearance and debt resolution; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and champions this process.
ContextClosing speech at the Feed Africa Summit on food sovereignty in Dakar, Senegal; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants Africa to feed itself.
ContextSpeech at the Feed Africa Summit in Dakar, Senegal, with African heads of state; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and mobilises funds for agriculture.
Why it mattersAdesina calls on leaders to add value to food at scale so the continent can feed itself.
- Africa does not feed itself.
- Food processing is limited.
- Agricultural wealth is untapped.
- Invest in agro-industrial processing zones.
- Add value to food at scale.
- Pursue food sovereignty.
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ContextKeynote at the launch of the African Mayoral Leadership Initiative; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and supports fast-growing African cities.
Why it mattersAdesina wants towns to raise money directly and plan for floods and heat.
- African cities face climate and disaster risks.
- Municipal finance is limited.
- Urban planning is weak.
- Develop city disaster risk and adaptation plans.
- Allow cities to issue municipal and green bonds.
- Build mayoral leadership.
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ContextKeynote launching the bank's 2023 Africa Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook report; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and tracks its economies.
Why it mattersAdesina warns about rising debt vulnerabilities as growth slows.
- High energy and food prices fuel inflation.
- Debt vulnerabilities are rising.
- Growth is slowing.
- Publish outlook reports to guide policy.
- Address debt risks.
- Build economic resilience.
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ContextAfrica can only reach its full development potential with its women. I have always been insistent that no bird can fly or soar with one wing.
ContextClosing speech at the donors' pledging session for the 16th replenishment of the African Development Fund; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and its soft-loan fund needs donor money.
Why it mattersAdesina closes the pledging round and commits to track gender results.
- Low-income African countries need concessional resources.
- Results must be measured better.
- Gender outcomes are not tracked well.
- Secure a strong African Development Fund replenishment.
- Use gender-disaggregated data in results monitoring.
- Build on past achievements.
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ContextOpening speech at the donors' pledging session for the 16th replenishment of the African Development Fund; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks grants for the poorest countries.
Why it mattersAdesina presents a debt action plan to donors.
- Debt vulnerabilities are rising.
- Governance and public finance are weak.
- Debt resolution is slow.
- Deliver the debt action plan.
- Strengthen governance and debt management.
- Work with the IMF and World Bank on the common framework.
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ContextKeynote at the 2022 Global Community of Practice policy dialogue of the bank's African Development Institute; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and builds policy skills.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes incentives for diaspora investment in Africa.
- Diaspora resources are under-used for development.
- Diaspora investors lack incentives.
- Policy neglects diaspora needs.
- Create ministries of diaspora.
- Offer special incentives for diaspora investment.
- Expand investment opportunities for the diaspora.
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ContextSpeech at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh launching the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks green investment.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes mobilising institutional investors for climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Africa's infrastructure financing gap is huge.
- Infrastructure is not climate-resilient.
- Institutional investors stay away.
- Create an Alliance for Green Infrastructure.
- Build resilient infrastructure.
- Mobilise institutional investors at scale.
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ContextSpeech at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh launching the Africa Business Leaders Coalition; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants business engaged on climate.
Why it mattersAdesina wants African companies to become part of the climate solution.
- Businesses contribute to emissions.
- Private sector climate action is limited.
- Africa needs green growth.
- Launch a coalition of African business leaders.
- Make businesses part of the climate solution.
- Promote green investment.
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ContextSpeech at the COP27 leaders' event on accelerating adaptation in Africa in Sharm El Sheikh; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and backs climate adaptation.
Why it mattersAdesina seeks donor money for adaptation in fragile states.
- Low-income and fragile states are most exposed to climate change.
- Adaptation finance is scarce.
- Resources fall short of needs.
- Create a Climate Action Window.
- Raise billions for adaptation.
- Mobilise donor support.
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ContextRemarks at a plenary session on sovereign wealth funds; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and wants these funds invested in Africa.
Why it mattersAdesina invites state investment funds to back the continent, using guarantees to reduce risk.
- Private investment in Africa faces many risks.
- Institutional investors are hesitant.
- Capital markets are shallow.
- Use risk guarantee instruments.
- Engage sovereign wealth funds.
- Deepen Africa's capital markets.
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ContextOpening ceremony of the Africa Investment Forum Market Days 2022 in Abidjan; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and gathers investors for deals.
Why it mattersAdesina presents de-risking and syndication tools to investors.
- Investors see Africa as risky.
- Financing is fragmented.
- Projects need support to reach completion.
- De-risk investments.
- Syndicate financing.
- Support investors from deal to delivery.
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ContextClosing speech at the third Finance in Common Summit of public development banks in Abidjan; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and hosted the summit.
Why it mattersAdesina urges public development banks to coordinate on infrastructure and health.
- Infrastructure gaps persist worldwide.
- Health systems are unprepared.
- Development banks act separately.
- Close the green infrastructure gap.
- Invest in health infrastructure and preparedness.
- Coordinate public development banks.
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ContextOpening speech at the third Finance in Common Summit in Abidjan; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works with other public development banks.
Why it mattersAdesina warns that global tightening drives capital out of emerging markets.
- Monetary tightening raises interest rates.
- Capital flees emerging markets.
- Debt service costs rise.
- Coordinate public development banks.
- Increase support for vulnerable countries.
- Reform the development finance system.
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ContextSpeech at the 2022 Civil Society Forum in Abidjan; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works with civil society groups.
Why it mattersAdesina warns that Africa's needs risk being sidelined globally.
- Africa faces multiple challenges.
- Its needs risk being sidelined.
- Climate finance is scarce.
- Prioritise Africa's needs globally.
- Engage civil society.
- Support the Climate Action Window.
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ContextSpeech at a YARA knowledge exchange event in Oslo, Norway; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes better farm inputs.
Why it mattersAdesina warns of a looming fertiliser shortage for African farmers.
- The food crisis could worsen.
- Fertiliser shortages loom.
- Fertiliser raw materials are hard to source.
- Secure fertiliser supplies for farmers.
- Partner with the private sector.
- Boost African food production.
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ContextSpeech at the Norwegian-African Business Association summit in Oslo; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and courts European business.
Why it mattersAdesina invites Nordic companies to tilt more investment to Africa.
- Africa needs more private investment.
- Investors lack deal flow.
- Risk perceptions are high.
- Use the Africa Investment Forum.
- Tilt more Norwegian investment to Africa.
- Support investors.
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ContextSpeech at the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum on the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly in New York; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and courts investors for Nigeria.
ContextSpeech in Dakar at the third meeting for the 16th replenishment of the African Development Fund; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks donor funds.
Why it mattersAdesina asks donors to replenish the fund for fragile states.
- Low-income countries need resources.
- Debt vulnerabilities are rising.
- Climate impacts are growing.
- Replenish the African Development Fund.
- Manage debt vulnerabilities.
- Scale up support to fragile states.
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ContextStatement at the Africa Climate Adaptation Summit in Rotterdam; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and leads an adaptation acceleration programme.
Why it mattersAdesina links climate change to conflict and displacement.
- Climate change raises conflict risk in Africa.
- Millions are displaced.
- Adaptation is underfunded.
- Scale up adaptation finance.
- Work with the Global Center on Adaptation.
- Build resilience.
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ContextSpeech at the TICAD-8 signing ceremony for the fifth phase of the Japan-Africa private sector initiative in Tunis; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development with Japanese funds.
Why it mattersTokyo commits new money for African companies and better handling of public borrowing.
- African debt sustainability is at risk.
- Private sector needs finance.
- Debt management is weak.
- Sign a new private sector assistance agreement with Japan.
- Use Japanese funds for debt management.
- Support debt sustainability.
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ContextSpeech at the TICAD-8 plenary on the economy in Tunis; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works with Japan on investment.
Why it mattersAdesina calls for debt transparency as global rates rise.
- Fiscal deficits have increased.
- Debt service costs rise with global rates.
- Debt transparency is weak.
- Co-finance with Japan.
- Ensure debt transparency.
- Make the common framework succeed.
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ContextSpeech at the TICAD-8 business leaders' forum in Tunisia; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and courts Japanese companies.
Why it mattersAdesina supports a Japanese Africa investment fund.
- Japanese business in Africa is limited.
- Investment environment needs improvement.
- Funding is scarce.
- Work with Japanese business federations.
- Support a Japanese Africa investment fund.
- Improve the investment environment.
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ContextSpeech at the Africa50 general shareholders meeting in Marrakech; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and chairs the Africa50 infrastructure fund.
ContextSpeech at the US-Africa Business Summit in Marrakech; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and seeks American investment.
Why it mattersAdesina invites American investors to curated African deals.
- US investment in Africa is limited.
- Deals are hard to close.
- Investors need curated projects.
- Use the Africa Investment Forum.
- Curate and close deals.
- Partner with other development banks.
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ContextSpeech at the seventh Africa-Ireland Economic Forum in Dublin; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and builds ties with European partners.
Why it mattersAdesina warns that 23 African countries face high debt distress.
- 23 African countries face high debt distress.
- Debt relief was temporary.
- Liquidity pressures persist.
- Pursue debt treatment under the common framework.
- Build on debt service suspension.
- Strengthen Africa-Ireland ties.
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ContextStatement at the G7 ministerial conference Uniting for Global Food Security in Berlin; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and runs an emergency food production plan.
Why it mattersAdesina presents Africa as part of the solution to the global food crisis.
- Global food security is threatened.
- Africa's food production potential is untapped.
- Food prices are rising.
- Unlock Africa's food production.
- Make Africa a global food solution.
- Mobilise G7 support.
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ContextSpeech at the 52nd Annual Meetings of the Caribbean Development Bank; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and shares lessons with a sister institution.
Why it mattersAdesina shares tools for de-risking infrastructure with island economies.
- Infrastructure investment faces many risks.
- Commercial debt has grown sharply.
- Development challenges are global.
- De-risk infrastructure investment.
- Share lessons among development banks.
- Build Africa-Caribbean investment links.
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ContextOpening speech at the bank's 2022 Annual Meetings in Accra, Ghana; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and focuses on climate resilience.
Why it mattersAdesina asks rich countries to deliver climate promises.
- Climate promises are not delivered.
- Growth is unequal.
- Low-income states need support.
- Deliver COP26 promises at COP27.
- Build more equitable growth.
- Support fragile states.
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ContextStatement at the opening press event of the bank's 2022 Annual Meetings in Accra; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and explains its response to crises.
Why it mattersAdesina presents the bank's response to the food crisis.
- Africa faces a looming food crisis.
- Low-income states need resources.
- Covid disrupted operations.
- Lead the response to the food crisis.
- Raise more resources for the Fund.
- Support fragile states.
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ContextPublic statement by the bank's president; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and must keep the trust of its shareholders.
ContextStatement during an audience with Nigeria's President in Abuja; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and works with member governments.
Why it mattersAdesina discusses rising food prices with Nigeria's President.
- Food prices are rising in Nigeria.
- Agriculture needs transformation.
- Jobs are lacking.
- Boost food production.
- Transform agriculture.
- Create jobs.
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ContextAddress in Washington to the African Union's F15 group of finance ministers; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and coordinates African positions.
Why it mattersAdesina presents an emergency food production plan to finance ministers.
- Africa faces a looming food crisis.
- Food production is disrupted by war.
- Partners are not yet mobilised.
- Support the African Emergency Food Production Plan.
- Deploy it quickly with agriculture ministers.
- Rally development partners behind it.
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ContextSpeech at the South Africa Investment Conference in Johannesburg; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes investment in South Africa.
Why it mattersAdesina proposes a just transition facility for coal-dependent South Africa.
- South Africa relies on coal.
- The energy transition needs huge finance.
- Debt limits public capacity.
- Create a Just Energy Transition Facility with G7 partners.
- Finance the transition without adding debt.
- Invest in agriculture, energy, transport and youth jobs.
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ContextSpeech at an African Women Heads of State initiative event; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and promotes women's leadership.
Why it mattersAdesina seeks investors for women-led businesses.
- Women-led businesses lack finance.
- Women are absent from value chains.
- Investors overlook women entrepreneurs.
- Secure investor interest in women-led businesses.
- Help women lead agro-processing value chains.
- Use the Africa Investment Forum.
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ContextSpeech at the 35th ordinary session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and supports AU priorities.
Why it mattersAdesina links insecurity to lost investment and youth opportunities.
- Insecurity undermines development.
- Young people lack opportunities.
- Investment is insufficient.
- Link security, investment and growth.
- Mobilise investment through the Forum.
- Build a better future for youth.
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ContextAcceptance speech for an honorary doctorate from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; the African Development Bank finances Africa's development and values science and technology.